Players, Coaches React to Arsene Wenger Stepping Down as Arsenal Manager

Arsene Wenger announced Friday he will be stepping down as Arsenal's manager at the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger announced Friday that he will be stepping down as Arsenal's manager at the end of the season after 22 years in charge. 

''After careful consideration and following discussions with the club, I feel it is the right time for me to step down at the end of the season,'' Wenger said in a statement. ''I am grateful for having had the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years. I managed the club with full commitment and integrity.

The 68-year-old's departure comes as the team has struggled to maintain its place among the Premier League's elite. It missed out on the Champions League last season and is in position to miss out on a top-four place again this season. It could find its way to the Champions League by winning the Europa League, though, in what could be Wenger's last act as manager. 

His announcement sparked plenty posts on social media from athletes and the soccer community who have been used to Wenger's presence in the Premier League for so long.

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A post shared by Cesc Fàbregas (@cescf4bregas)

Thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/FT5rDt5Hzt

— Patrick Vieira (@OfficialVieira) April 20, 2018

It’s been an honour to play for you and win trophies with https://t.co/GfP7SLO8Fq have been a big influence in my life on and off the field from a boy to a man.I am so happy to see everyone showing gratitude and respect today because you more than deserve it.Thank you Boss pic.twitter.com/QpL7M7ZL7X

— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) April 20, 2018

Im you’re last signing but since I’m here I’m proud to be your player Boss thanks for everything #merciarsene #legend pic.twitter.com/1SR7q4qKTA

— AUBA⚡️ (@Auba) April 20, 2018

To the man who believed in me and trusted me to play in a great team,thank you for having my back. I will never forget the conversations we had and the belief you had in me thank you for some great memories and good luck in whatever is next for You #wenger ✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/bZAlLMeVm5

— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) April 20, 2018

After the big news today it’s an opportunity for all the Gunners to show the love and appreciation to the man who created huge part of the history and legacy of @Arsenal and hopefully will leave with another trophy in his hands! Up to all of us to make it happen . #COYG pic.twitter.com/W9Tl56Dc8y

— Petr Cech (@PetrCech) April 20, 2018

For Everything You’ve Done For Arsenal Football Club, For Trusting Me As A Teenager, For Giving Me The Opportunity To Express Myself And Grow Both As A Footballer And As A Person, I Will Forever Be Grateful To You Boss. Thank You So Much! ❤ pic.twitter.com/4QiECh6PUY

— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) April 20, 2018

We've asked you for your messages for the boss after his announcement - and we asked Granit too

Here's what he said...#MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/r7odd014nI

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018

6 years of the most enjoyable successful football of my career. Thank you Arsene. A club legend👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

— Lee Dixon 💙🇺🇦 (@LeeDixon2) April 20, 2018

Sad day for @Arsenal with Arsene leaving, can we now give him the send off/respect he deserves?!! #rememberthetrophies

— David Seaman MBE ~ SafeHands (@thedavidseaman) April 20, 2018

We all knew this day would come but it seems surreal...
Arsene Wenger, you made me fall in love with @Arsenal and what you have built is every manager’s dream. THANK YOU for shaping the identity of the club and leaving a legacy that will last forever. Truly a legend.
🙌🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Wflyg2KY8d

— Alecko Eskandarian (@alecko11) April 20, 2018

Classy, intelligent, and above all human. I learned so much from you as a player and even more as a scout. Thank you for taking my football education to levels I never dreamed possible. Thank you for letting me live out a dream and thank you for all the memories. #MerciArsene pic.twitter.com/oEBCopf9WQ

— Danny Karbassiyoon (@dkarbass) April 20, 2018

Sir Alex Ferguson has paid a touching tribute to Arsene Wenger. pic.twitter.com/W4r89iV9he

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 20, 2018

🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/TPRrIgFUUi

— Mohamed ELNeny (@ElNennY) April 20, 2018

Thank you Boss #ArseneWenger pic.twitter.com/iMsz0nuxLX

— fabrice muamba (@fmuamba6) April 20, 2018

#PEP: Arsene Wenger has all my respect. The Premier League is the Premier League now because of Arsene Wenger and what he has done, his vision and respect for football. I wish him all the best in the future. Of course it was a pleasure to compete against him.

— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 20, 2018

Congratulations on an incredible 22-year career at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, and best of luck for the rest of the season… apart from on your 60th game against us next Sunday 😉

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2018

Jose on Arsene Wenger: "I always wish the best for my opponents. If he looks forward to the next chapter of his career in his life, I'm really happy for him." #MUFC pic.twitter.com/KZiuRONNgL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 20, 2018

Arsene Wenger is to leave @Arsenal at the end of the season. He has given much of his life to Arsenal. He has brought much success to the club. He has given much to the game of football in our country. Merci et bonne chance, Monsieur Wenger. #Wenger

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 20, 2018

"To all the Arsenal lovers. Take care of the values of the club.

My love and support for ever."

Arsene Wenger

😢💔 pic.twitter.com/9PO2m07NcM

— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) April 20, 2018

After 20 plus years of managing Arsenal, Arsene Wenger will be leaving at the end of the season. Now Wenger will get the send out he deserves. #Legend #Arsenal #appreciation

— Charlie Davies (@CharlieDavies9) April 20, 2018

My first time ever to Europe was to London in August of 2003. I wore my brand new yellow jersey with Henry on the back & was able to catch the first game of the “Invincible” season. That Arsenal team made me fall in love with soccer.
Merci Beaucoup Arsène Wenger.

— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) April 20, 2018

Congrats to Arsenal Wenger on a fantastic career @Arsenal. His passion and dedication to the sport/ club was always something that stood out and was infectious. Everyday his car was first in the car park and last out! I know @Arsenal will celebrate him the way he deserves #legend

— Laura Harvey (@LH1505) April 20, 2018

Prediction: Never again will a Premier League manager have a tenure at one club even half as long as Arsène Wenger’s 22 years at Arsenal.

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) April 20, 2018

Classy from Jurgen Klopp on Arsene Wenger 👏 pic.twitter.com/p8ALJGWoxA

— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) April 20, 2018

Thank you Wenger for everything you have done for us @Arsenal and for the memories. Sad to see you go. #AFC #Wenger #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/pvUjT1VTW0

— Sir Mo Farah (@Mo_Farah) April 20, 2018

Arsene Wenger - a pretty amazing career. So much great work at one club.
Respect a legend everyone. #Wenger pic.twitter.com/l3PpbqTpax

— Robbie Mustoe (@robbiemustoe) April 20, 2018

Legend.#MerciArsène pic.twitter.com/LyO4cdvQbs

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2018

Arsenal is sixth in Premier League standings this year with five games to go, and Wenger, a lightning rod in recent years, will surely receive a rousing ovation at the Emirates Sunday when Arsenal hosts West Ham.